In energy production and industry, biomass refers to living and recently living biological material which can be used as fuel or for industrial production. Most commonly biomass refers to plant matter grown for use as biofuel, but also includes plant or animal matter used for production of fibres, chemicals or heat. It excludes organic material which has been transformed by geological processes into substances such as coal or petroleum. It is usually measured by dry weight.

The term biomass is especially useful for plants, where some internal structures may not always be considered living tissue, such as the wood (secondary xylem) of a tree.

Biofuels include bioethanol, biobutanol and biodiesel; these two last ones are direct biofuels (so they can be used directly in petroleum engines).

Biomass is grown from several plants, including switchgrass, hemp, corn, and sugarcane. The particular plant used is usually not important to the end product. Production of biomass is a growing industry as interest in sustainable fuel sources is growing.

Biomass may also include animal waste, which may be burnt as fuel.

Other uses of biomass, besides fuel:

• building materials
• biodegradable plastics and paper (using cellulose fibers)

See also

• energy crop

Fuels

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